Ottawa International Animation Festival 2009

last call for entries  •  passes now available tac update  •  hotels and travel  •  festival sponsors
Attention all procrastinators! Only a few more days until our June 1st deadline, so make sure you log into your account at www.animationfestival.ca and submit your entry form before it's too late! That also means that we must receive all preview DVDs in our office within the next two weeks. If a submitted film is not in our office by June 15th, it will be disqualified. (Sorry, but we're allowed to be scary because we don't ask for an entry fee. That's just how we roll.) So get a move on! Questions or concerns? Check out all the info online by clicking here, or email us at entries@animationfestival.ca.
Do you want a five-day tour of one of the world's most beautiful capital cities, with the entire animation world at your fingertips? Nothing compares to the value of an all-access AnimaPass to the Ottawa International Animation Festival... but you already knew that, didn't you? Our passes can now be purchased from our website and as always, we've got something for everyone: student discounts; day or weekend passes; and the coveted TAC Passes (always short in supply but high in demand). Head on over to our website at www.animationfestival.ca and pick out the pass that's right for you.
"If you have a great idea for an animated television show and work hard to package and pitch it, then coming to the Ottawa International Animation Festival and TAC could change your life. It changed mine. Not only did I make a development deal with 9 Story Entertainment, but I met people who can make things happen. If you are serious about cartoons, you need to find a way to bring your dreams to the festival." - Al Bohl, creator of Way Out There! TAC passes are now available! We've sold out every year, so make sure to get yours early. Stay at the Château Laurier to receive an $80 discount on your TAC Anima or TAC Only pass. Do you want a chance to pitch your show at TAC 09 in front of everyone? Click here to learn more about Pitch THIS! and how you can win a free pass. Only a few TAC sponsorship options remain, so check out our website and contact Kelly Neall to get involved.
Accommodations in Ottawa are already starting to fill up, so if you know you'll be attending the OIAF, why not book your hotel now? Our website has an enormous list of hotels, hostels, and bed/breakfasts for you to choose from. Plus, if you book your stay at one of our Official Hotels of the Festival, you'll save on your TAC Pass (Fairmont Château Laurier) or AnimaPass (Novotel Ottawa). Fran Krause, awarded Best Television Animation for Children for The Upstate Four at last year's Festival, has released a handy guide on his blog entitled "Going to the Ottawa International Animation Festival". Intended for students and similarly frugal-minded individuals, the article gives a number of great pointers for East Coast dwellers in the States who want to make the trip to Ottawa while keeping travel expenses down. Check out his blog, Franimation, here. Important notice for USA travellers to Canada: "On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI [Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative]. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security." (From the U.S. Dept. of State website) Click here for full text and information.
The OIAF would not be possible without our supporters. Many options are available, for everyone from the penny-pincher to the high-roller! Click here and get your company involved today!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
	Nelvana Nelvana is a global leader on the children's entertainment scene, creating quality animation and building lasting, world class brands that consistently perform in the consumer products realm. The company is owned by Canadian media and entertainment conglomerate Corus Entertainment. A special thank-you to Nelvana for their incredible support.
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
	National Film Board of Canada The world changes, our stories live on – that's the National Film Board of Canada's pledge to Canadians as it marks its 70th anniversary in 2009 with a new national online Screening Room and a slate of bold, innovative productions. Canada's public film producer and distributor, the NFB produces and distributes social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, alternative drama and digital content that provide the world with a unique Canadian perspective. Since the NFB's founding in 1939, it has created over 13,000 productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. Le monde change, nos histoires continuent – c'est la promesse que fait l'Office national du film du Canada aux Canadiens et aux Canadiennes alors qu'il inaugure en 2009, pour ses 70 ans, un nouvel Espace de visionnage en ligne, où il est possible de voir des productions novatrices et audacieuses. À titre de producteur et de distributeur public canadien d'œuvres audiovisuelles, l'ONF produit et distribue des documentaires à caractère social, des animations d'auteur, de la fiction alternative et du contenu numérique qui présentent au monde un point de vue authentiquement canadien. Depuis sa fondation en 1939, l'ONF a créé plus de 13 000 productions et remporté au-delà de 5000 récompenses, dont 12 Oscars et plus de 90 prix Génie.
	Telefilm Canada Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canada Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund.
	TELETOON Canada Inc. TELETOON Canada brings kids, youth and adults the best in animated entertainment with four nationwide specialty television channels, TELETOON English and French, and TELETOON Retro English and French. Founded in 1997, TELETOON Canada inc. is owned by Astral Media (50%) and Corus Entertainment (50%). Since its launch, TELETOON has become the premiere animation destination for kids, teens, young adults and families. Through its English and French networks, TELETOON reaches 7.7 million Canadian homes and the digital specialty TELETOON Retro is in over 6 million homes. TELETOON properties are also available online, on VOD, on iTunes and on mobile TV. Along with kids' favourites such as Ben 10, The Spectacular Spider-Man and Chowder, TELETOON features original cartoons like6TEEN, Total Drama Action and World of Quest. From 9 pm, TELETOON Detour brings bold comedies like Futurama, American Dad and Robot Chicken to televisions for teen and adult audiences. A proud supporter of the Canadian animation industry. TELETOON invests 47% of its gross revenue in series from Canadian producers and devotes 60% of both the English and French TELETOON network schedules to Canadian content.
SHOWCASE SPONSORS
	Adobe Systems Inc. Adobe Systems Incorporated offers business, creative, and mobile software solutions that revolutionize how the world engages with ideas and information. With a reputation for excellence and a portfolio of many of the most respected and recognizable software brands, Adobe is one of the world's largest and most diversified software companies.
	Canada Council for the Arts The Canada Council for the Arts supports, promotes and celebrates the work of Canadian artists and arts organizations. Le Conseil des Arts du Canada se voue à l'appui, à la promotion, et à la reconnaissance de l'œuvre des artistes et des organismes artistiques canadiens.
	Canadian Museum of Civilization Discover the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Canada's largest and most popular cultural institution. Located on a spectacular riverfront site in the heart of the National Capital Region, the Museum offers an unparalleled view of Ottawa's historic skyline. Acknowledged as one of the world's architectural masterpieces, the Museum welcomes 1.3 million visitors each year. Permanent exhibitions include the majestic Grand Hall, housing the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles. Other favourite features include the Canadian Children's Museum, the Canadian Postal Museum, and the IMAX® Theatre. Découvrez l'institution culturelle la plus importante et la plus populaire du Canada. Chef-d'œuvre architectural, le Musée canadien des civilisations accueille chaque année 1,3 million de visiteurs provenant de partout dans le monde. Situé au cœur de la région de la capitale nationale, le Musée offre une vue spectaculaire sur les édifices du Parlement canadien situés de l'autre côté de la rivière, à Ottawa. Le Musée présente de nombreuses expositions permanentes, dont la majestueuse Grande Galerie, qui abrite la plus vaste collection intérieure de mâts totémiques au monde.
	City of Ottawa The nation's capital is a thriving place, offering fun and cultural entertainment for tourists of all ages. The city hosts a number of exciting festivals and events, making it a great place to live, work or visit. The City of Ottawa's continued support of its local artists and events, through its Cultural Funding Program, is encouraging and well appreciated.
	Empire Theatres Empire Theatres operates 51 theatres representing 403 screens across Canada (including one IMAX Theatre in Halifax) from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Empire Theatres is Canada's second largest and fastest growing film exhibition company providing an exciting out-of-home entertainment experience including traditional film exhibition as well as other content using its digital and satellite capabilities. With approximately 3,000 employees, Empire Theatres provides excellent employment opportunities for the youth of Canada in an exciting and energetic industry.
	Employment Ontario Ontario Job Creation Partnerships is an employment program that provides work experience to unemployed job seekers within projects that benefit the community or local economy. At the end of their participation, participants in the program will have recent work experience and additional skills to add to their résumés, increasing their chances of successfully finding long-term employment.
	HBS Marketing With offices in Ottawa and Toronto, HBS Marketing is an award-winning full-service advertising and communications agency serving clients across North America. But there's more to it than that. At HBS, we go inside the heads and hearts of your audience to shift behaviour. Everyone — from a first-year animation student to a corporate sponsor — has reasons for doing the things they do (or not doing the things they don't). We go inside to find those reasons, because having better, deeper information creates better, more compelling communications. We use what we learn strategically, to produce advertising, communications and marketing materials that trigger real shifts in behaviour and motivate real action. Whether you want people to visit your website, volunteer or attend a Jonas Odell retrospective, you get more out of your marketing when you go inside. Go inside, in depth. Visit our website at hbsmarketing.com.
	National Gallery of Canada The National Gallery of Canada is one of the world's most respected art institutions, renowned for its exceptional collections, revered for its scholarship, and applauded for its unique ability to engage audiences of all ages and all levels of artistic knowledge. Created in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada is among the oldest of Canada's national cultural institutions. Its current status as a federal Crown Corporation dates from 1990, when the Museums Act was proclaimed. The National Gallery of Canada's mandate is to develop, maintain, and make known, throughout Canada and internationally, a collection of works of art, both historic and contemporary, with special, but not exclusive, reference to Canada, and to further knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of art in general among all Canadians.
	Ontario Arts Council The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is the provincial government's primary funding vehicle for investing in Ontario's arts community. Since 1963, OAC has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts and artists for the enjoyment and benefit of all Ontarians. In 2006-2007, OAC funded 1,224 individual artists and 867 organizations in 255 communities across the province. More than 50 OAC granting programs are available to artists and arts organizations. OAC also administers the selection process for several privately-funded awards, scholarships, grants and prizes. In March 2007, OAC's annual budget of $40 million was increased by $15 million over three years — a 37.5 per cent increase that will take it to $55 million by 2009-10. For more information about OAC's programs and activities, please go to www.arts.on.ca.
	Ontario Media Development Corporation Ontario Media Development Corporation is an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Culture that facilitates economic development opportunities for Ontario's cultural media industries including the book publishing, film and television, interactive digital media, magazine publishing and music industries.
	Pipeline Studios Pipeline Studios Inc. PSi, is an award-winning Canadian full service production company and a state of the art facility specialized in the production of quality family entertainment. PSi engineers customized 3D and 2D production workflows to meet any challenge and employs world-class talent and highly motivated artists, which are key components of the PSi production engine. Fostering an environment where Producers and Artist's communicate seamlessly to deliver the highest production values. PSi continues to push the envelope by applying innovative production techniques, with a dedicated team of technical and creative talent developing original content, the company is currently in production ofGrossology, Willa's Wild Life, Guess with Jess and the award-winning Nick Jr. series The Backyardigans.
MAJOR SUPPORTERS
	Algonquin College Algonquin's three-year animation program provides students with training in both classical and digital animation. Following a common first year of studies, students have the option of pursuing either traditional or digital animation. They learn the skills necessary to work effectively as animators in a variety of settings.
	Animation Magazine Animation Magazine focuses on in-depth, widespread coverage of animation and related events from around the world. The magazine and the daily online newsletter offer information on the business, technology and the art of a variety of types of animation. Animation Magazine is also available in a digital format delivered right to your computer.
	Animation World Network Animation World Network's (AWN.com) comprehensive and targeted coverage of the international animation community has made it the leading source of animation industry news and information resources in the world. Through AWN, people worldwide have a single source for a vast array of information pertaining to all facets of the animation industry.
	Dainty Productions Dainty Productions is proud sponsor of the 2009 edition of the Ottawa International Animation Festival.
	Fresh TV Inc. Fresh TV Inc. eats, sleeps and breathes to create television people will love right now. Fresh is a Toronto based development and production company specializing in the creation of family entertainment. In addition toTotal Drama Island, Fresh has produced the highly rated and award winning animated series 6TEEN, seen on Teletoon in Canada and around the world. Fresh is currently in development on a number of new series with various Canadian broadcast partners. As well as producing its own slate of original series, Fresh also offers the production services of Elliott Animation which has worked on such renowned series as Sitting Ducksand Erky Perky.
	Head Gear Animation Award-winning Toronto studio Head Gear Animation will create this year's signal film. Head Gear produces work in all short formats and has garnered over 50 top awards at such prestigious competitions as The One Show, AICP, The London International Advertising Awards, ADCC, The BDAs, The Bessies, Mobius Applied Arts, Ottawa International Animation Festival and the Holland Animation Festival.
	KidScreen Magazine KidScreen is a monthly business magazine serving the information needs and interests of all those involved in reaching children through entertainment. What makes KidScreen unique is its cross-media and cross-disciplinary approach combined with its exclusive focus upon the kids' market. In a single publication, this gives readers top-line information about all aspects of the increasingly inter-related aspects of their industry.
Magazine" width="150" height="150" class="sponsor-image" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; padding-right: 15px; padding-left: 15px; ">	Lien MULTIMÉDIA & <Convergence> Magazine Le Lien MULTIMÉDIA website: www.lienmultimedia.com (daily updates) and weekly PDF newsletter reach a wide audience of established and up- and-coming professionals from the new media, video games, animation, financing, Internet, and wireless technologies industries. Published for 15 years now, we cover major events, business opportunities and the ins and outs of the industry. You can also find a job offer section. Le Lien MULTIMÉDIA is published by Groupe Électrogène, a digital content producer that publishes CONVERGENCE magazine, Le Guide de l'Industrie Multimédia et Nouveaux Médias (The Multimedia and New Media Industry directory), NEWmediaCanada.ca, videoGAMEScanada.caand itnewslink.com. CONVERGENCE is a digital culture magazine for new techology enthusiasts and professionals working in the fields of multimedia, new media, video games, cinema, television, animation, web design and wireless technologies. Published for almost 10 years now, CONVERGENCE magazine provides readers with articles on company start-ups and portraits, industry events, financing, educational programs, music, video games & DVD reviews. To learn more, please visit CONVERGENCE magazine website:www.lienmultimedia.com/convergence.
	PiP Animation Services Inc. PIP Animation Services Inc. is an awards winning dynamic studio built on skill, dedication and commitment to excellence. Winner of the BBB Torch Award for marketplace ethics, PIP is celebrating 10 years of providing a wealth of services to the worldwide animation production community. Founded by Dulcie Clark, a long-time veteran of the animation world, PIP's family of experienced artists and professionals provide a multitude of services such as, digital 2D and 3D animation from concept to post-production. Research and development of new software and techniques keep PIP ahead of the ever-changing industry. PIP offers extensive experience in Co-productions and Tax Credits and, along with their high-quality standards, always cater to the specific needs of each production.
	Playback Playback is Canada's production, broadcasting & interactive media journal, a magazine that offers an intimate view of the industry events, trends, and innovations every two weeks.
	Sheridan College The animation programs at Sheridan are known the world over for the creative excellence of their graduates and faculty. The Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation (BAAA) degree provides students with a comprehensive, industry-ready skill set. The Computer Animation, Digital Character Animation and Digital Visual Effects Post-Diploma programs put equal emphasis on the art and craft of animation, and the acquisition of the new technological knowledge sweeping the industry.
	Starz Animation Starz Animation is Canada's leading high-quality digital animation studio, providing major Hollywood studios and independent producers alike with world-class computer-animated content for feature films, DVDs, television series, commercials, visual effects and shorts.
	Vancouver Film School VFS is a post-secondary entertainment arts school that has provided students with a unique one-year educational model — and a life-changing experience — for over 20 years. VFS's programs cover every aspect of the entertainment arts, including all styles of animation: 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Classical Animation, Digital Character Animation, Film Production, Acting for Film & Television, Digital Design, Entertainment Business Management, Game Design, Makeup Design for Film & Television, Sound Design for Visual Media, Writing for Film & Television, and Foundation Visual Art & Design. Under the guidance of working professionals, students create a demo reel or portfolio of original work, which is their ultimate calling card in the entertainment industry. Alumni have won Oscars, Emmys, and Spirit Awards, and have worked on hit films like WALL-E, Iron Man, The Dark Knight, and the highly-anticipated, Peter Jackson-produced District 9, directed by grad Neill Blomkamp.
FESTIVAL PATRONS
	BIG JUMP Productions Big Jump is a full service production facility specializing in narrative, linear and non-linear multi-platform content. Seamlessly combining traditional and digital animation techniques with a decade of experience in new media, BIG JUMP continues to provide its clients and partners with an exceptional product that bridges the gap between television and interactive!
	Mel Hoppenheim School Of Cinema The Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Concordia University, is the largest, university-based centre for the study of film animation, film production and film studies in Canada. Each year it accepts some 200 students from across Canada and many other countries into its undergraduate and graduate programmes. They are taught by internationally-known film artists and scholars, all of whom are exceptionally active in their specialties.
	marblemedia marblemedia is a content creation company on the forefront of television and new media production, devoted to telling stories that entertain and engage audiences across all platforms. marblemedia cofounders Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg were recipients of the 2007 Lions Gate/Maple Pictures Innovative Producer Award and winners of the Company of the Year at the 2008 CNMA's. Some of marblemedia's notable projects include: the kid's cooking and food adventure series Taste Buds; the North American Version of the animated/live action quiz show Skatoony; the prime time hooked-up animated comedy for adults The Dating Guy; the tween competition seriesThe Adrenaline Project; the hit preschool series' This is Daniel Cook andThis is Emily Yeung; the first television series and website in American Sign Language, deafplanet.com and the mobile short film anthology Shorts in Motion: The Art of Seduction. Upcoming projects for the independent producers include Camerahead and Gnasty Gnomes.
	Ottawa Festivals d'Ottawa Ottawa Festivals is a not for profit member-based organization that leads Ottawa's multi-million dollar event industry in Canada's Capital Region. It works to make local festivals, special events, and fairs world-class and to promote Ottawa as an exciting tourist destination while making a significant impact on the local economy and greatly enhancing the region's image. Visit www.ottawafestivals.ca to Find Events the Easy Way!
	PIXAR Animation Studios Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, and most recently, WALL•E. The Northern California studio has won 21 Academy Awards and its nine films have grossed more than $4.5 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The next film release from Disney•Pixar is UP (May 29, 2009).
OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS
	Arts Court As a registered charitable organization, the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation (OACF) plays a leadership role in developing the performing, visual, literary and media arts in our community. Since 1988, the Ottawa Arts Court has occupied the City of Ottawa owned heritage building known as Arts Court. The mission of the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation is to provide a forum for Ottawa's performing, visual, literary, and media arts through the provision of leading professional facilities, programs and services.
	Motion Creative Printing At Motion, creativity and quality go hand in hand so that your finished product has the powerful visual impact you intended. Whether it's for the commercial, industrial or manufacturing sector, or for an institution, government, association or special interest account, the job will be done to the standard and excellence your client expects from your agency or communications group. We work behind the scenes to make your work stand out from the crowd.
	Novotel Ottawa The Novotel Ottawa hotel is ideally located in downtown Ottawa in the heart of the Nation's Capital. One of the finer Ottawa hotels, it offers its clients a warm, cozy and intimate accommodation experience. Novotel Ottawa Hotel specializes in personalized, friendly services in a quiet stress free environment. You will find our staff attentive and they have no reservation to listen to the needs of the modern traveler. Our Ottawa hotels peaceful and serene ambiance awaits you in any one of our 282 contemporarily decorated guestrooms, as well as our 6 meeting rooms. Housed in a 19th century landmark building, and part of the Novotel Ottawa hotel, our Trio Restaurant invites you into a gallery-like restaurant atmosphere. Warmed with exceptional charm , service and style, exquisite works of art are found both on our walls and on our menu. The team at the Novotel Ottawa hotel and the City of Ottawa are waiting to welcome you! Reserve your Accommodation and experience now!
	Quality Hotel The Quality Hotel is a proud supporter of the OIAF. It's a great choice for individuals or groups. At the hotel, local calls are free, they provide free daily newspapers and free in-room coffee. In their Business Center, located in the lobby, you will find a work station with computer and FREE access to Wireless High-Speed Internet. All the rooms are equipped with a working desk, coffee makers, pay movie system and High Speed Internet access. Best of all you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Don Cherry's Bar & Grill. Show your pass for a ten percent savings!
	Rideau Centre Ottawa's premier shopping destination, Rideau Centre is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, one block east of Parliament Hill. We're home to over 180 of the biggest names in fashion, dining and entertainment. Visit us today and experience shopping at its best!
	SAW Gallery From its inception in 1973, the artist-run centre Galerie SAW Gallery has supported politically and socially engaged art, focusing on the performance and media arts. Many of the world's best-known artists have exhibited at SAW in the early stages of their careers. Begun by a group of local artists, the gallery was originally part of the legendary café Le Hibou on Sussex Drive, hence the name SAW, an acronym for Sussex Annex Works. In 1981, the centre founded the SAW Video cooperative to support independent video artists and documentarists. During this time, the centre also initiated Club SAW, which has become the most important multidisciplinary space in the region. In 1989, Galerie SAW Gallery, SAW Video (now a separate entity) and Club SAW moved into the historic Arts Court building. With over 30,000 visitors each year, Galerie SAW Gallery is a prime destination for contemporary art in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
	SAW Video SAW Video supports ground breaking artistic production, presentation and programming of independent media art. To this aim, SAW Video provides production and presentation services to its membership including affordable technical facilities, and a wide range of programs designed to create an atmosphere that will inspire production through the exchange of ideas around form, content and style.
Want to be our friend? OIAF is a non-profit, charitable organization. Private donations of any amount are gratefully accepted and will receive a charitable tax receipt. Just contact us and tell us you want to be a Friend of the Festival! To receive newsletter, contact us or subscribe online Feel free to send your comments & suggestions to info@animationfestival.ca or call 613-232-8769 Copyright 2009 Ottawa International Animation Festival. All rights reserved. You may reproduce this newsletter, provided you have permission from the OIAF or that it is copied in its entirety and not altered in any way.